Top Stories category, Page 129
Epstein ‘client list’ doesn’t exist, Justice Department says, walking back theory Pam Bondi had promoted
WASHINGTON — Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain a “client list,” the Justice Department acknowledged Monday as it said no more files related to the wealthy financier’s sex trafficking investigation would be made public despite promises from Attorney General Pam Bondi that had raised the expectations of conservative influencers and conspiracy...
EPA delays pollution limits, drawing jeers from environmentalists, cheers from U.S. Steel
The Trump administration is delaying mandates that would have forced steelmakers U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs to cut toxic emissions, drawing industry praise and environmentalist dismay. A July 1 order from the Environmental Protection Agency postpones until April 2027 stricter emissions standards for the country’s integrated steel mills, all of which...
Pittsburgh councilmen bristle over call for police backup at public meeting
Two Pittsburgh City Council members are calling for an investigation and report on why council’s sergeant at arms — a uniformed Pittsburgh police officer — requested backup during a heated public meeting last week. In a statement over the weekend, Councilmen R. Daniel Lavelle, D-Hill District, and Khari Mosley, D-Point...
Scholarships funded by upcoming 5K help keep light of Pine native Killian Cavanaugh alive
Bella Alampi has learned that time doesn’t necessarily heal wounds, but it can change one’s perspective. This December will mark eight years since Pine native and Shady Side Academy graduate Killian Patrick Cavanaugh died at only 20 years old. He and Alampi had been friends since middle school, and he...
Man with an assault rifle killed after shooting at a Border Patrol facility in Texas
McALLEN, Texas — A man with an assault rifle fired dozens of rounds at federal agents and a U.S. Border Patrol facility in Texas on Monday, injuring a police officer, before authorities shot and killed him. Authorities identified the shooter as Ryan Louis Mosqueda, believed to be 27, who they...
Jim Lee: Fetterman stuck between rock and a ‘hard’ GOP place
SP&R’s latest Pennsylvania poll conducted June 16-21 (with 713 likely voters) shows U.S. Sen. John Fetterman with a 41% job approval after 2½ years in office. On the surface, this isn’t so bad. For comparison, former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey had a 37% job approval rating in our polling in...
Peckish prior to Picklesburgh? Pick a peck of pickle snacks
There’s nothing quite like a pickle. A brine of vinegar, water, sugar, salt, herbs and spices is a magic potion that turns a fresh veggie into something else entirely. It works with onions, olives, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, peppers and more. But the word “pickle” and the puckery pop synonymous...
Westmoreland Diversity Coalition closes after 10 years; founder cites retirement, Trump DEI stance
The 10-year-old Westmoreland Diversity Coalition closed last month on the heels of the founder’s retirement and an evolving national diversity, equity and inclusion environment. Local nonprofit leaders say advocacy organizations have made a noticeable impact over the years in Westmoreland County, but more work needs to be done to amplify...
Multiple arrests made, officers targeted when ‘large and unruly crowd’ formed in East Carson Street corridor, police say
Turmoil continued in Pittsburgh’s South Side entertainment district over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, in which shots were fired, people threw fireworks and other objects at officers, and several people were arrested or charged. City police have been making a concerted effort recently to address rowdiness in the area....
High temperature forecast prompts Pittsburgh to prepare cooling centers
With the Pittsburgh area expected to see the hottest day of the week right out of the gate on Monday, the City of Pittsburgh announced Sunday that it will open cooling centers for the day. While the temperature is expected to get close to 90 at Pittsburgh International Airport, the...
Pressure from Trump for trade deals before Wednesday deadline, but hints of more time for talks
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is stepping up pressure on trading partners to quickly make new deals before a Wednesday deadline, with plans for the United States to start sending letters Monday warning countries that higher tariffs could kick in Aug. 1. That furthers the uncertainty for businesses, consumers and...
16-year-old killed in Pittsburgh’s Middle Hill section
A 16-year-old was shot and killed early Sunday in Pittsburgh’s Middle Hill neighborhood, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. The victim was identified as Kevin McKinzie of East Hills, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. Police were called at about 1 a.m. to the 300 block of Addison Street...
Texas officials face scrutiny over response to catastrophic and deadly flooding
KERRVILLE, Texas — Before heading to bed before the Fourth of July holiday, Christopher Flowers checked the weather while staying at a friend’s house along the Guadalupe River. Nothing in the forecast alarmed him. Hours later, he was rushing to safety: He woke up in darkness to electrical sockets popping...
Risk of further floods in Texas during desperate search for missing as death toll hits 82
KERRVILLE, Texas — With more rain on the way, the risk of life-threatening flooding was still high in central Texas on Monday even as crews search urgently for the missing following a holiday weekend deluge that killed at least 82 people, including children at summer camps. Officials said the death...
Fireworks confrontation leads to Beaver Falls shooting, police say
A tossed firework led to a shooting Friday in Beaver Falls, authorities said. Police were called at 10:30 p.m. Friday to the 300 block of 12th Street where they found a 47-year-old man shot twice in the leg. He was taken to a local medical facility before being flown by...
Pittsburgh region ‘staycation’ suggestions offer alternatives to traditional summer vacations
While a record number of people are traveling this Fourth of July holiday weekend — and travel appears to be increasing in general, year over year — costs have also increased. “Drivable beach locations have been strong,” said Ian Petrulli, vice president of Holiday Travel International in North Huntingdon. “Most...
Ligonier Valley begins superintendent search, OKs extended leave for retiring Tim Kantor
Ligonier Valley School District officials are beginning a search for a new superintendent as Tim Kantor, who has held the top administrative post since 2021, prepares to retire with a new title and a yearlong extension of his medical leave. The school board has agreed to pay Peter Emery D’Arcangelo...
Editorial: Giant Eagle might be just what the doctor ordered for pharmacy problems
Are grocery stores the key to fighting back against the high cost of prescription drugs? In recent years, drugstores have been caught between a rock and a hard place. The rock is Medicare and Medicaid co-pays. The hard place? Pharmacy benefit managers that act as a middleman between pharmaceutical companies...
‘Pittsburgh’s hidden gem’: Allegheny Islands provide escape in the river
For Jack Lachendro, you don’t have to go far from Downtown Pittsburgh to feel like you’re “truly in nature.” In fact, you need to head only 14 miles up the Allegheny River, said Lachendro, the environmental education specialist at Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). There, visitors will...
Flight 93 Memorial organization seeks up to $500K for 25th observance
Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial has plans for several projects and a fundraising campaign with a goal of between $300,000 and $500,000 in preparation for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 next year. United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a former Somerset County strip mine on Sept. 11, 2001, after...
State’s outdoor recreation plan sets template for millions of dollars in upgrades at parks
Visitors to Southwestern Pennsylvania’s state parks — from the highly visible to the less visited — will see improvements over the coming months and years. Regular upgrades are an important part of park management, a collaborative effort led by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “This approach helps...
Apollo’s new Independence Day celebration welcomed by residents missing community events
A day late was not a dollar short when it came to Apollo’s Independence Day celebration Saturday. While some were wondering why they’d have to wait until Sunday night for fireworks, many were thrilled that the effort was made to bring a community celebration back to the borough. Held the...
Fireworks cause multiple fires in Allegheny County
Fourth of July revelry caused at least four fires across Allegheny County, authorities said. Crews were called to the 100 block of Park Ridge Place in Forest Hills for a duplex fire Friday. Multiple units were damaged, according to TribLive news partner WTAE. A second fire, in the the 7500...
‘Best of the best’ shown off at Westmoreland Arts and Heritage fest, organizer says
Fawn artist Len Kaminski chipped away at a stump of wood inside his booth at the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival, unaware that a small crowd gathered to watch. “I just get in the zone,” said Kaminski, a sculptor who got his start as a Boy Scout decades ago. “Ideas...
Westmoreland developments: Ice cream shop, barbecue takeout, Playa Bowls franchise open doors
“Exhausted parent” is not necessarily the clientele The Parlor by Steel City Whip is looking to attract. But if one should stop by the Hempfield ice cream and Dole Soft Serve shop, Dan Busatto has just the right flavor for them. The bourbon-spiked espresso ice cream complemented by chocolate chunks...
